Heterocyclic esters and amides

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to neurotrophic low molecular weight, small molecule heterocyclic ester and amides having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins, and their use as inhibitors of the enzyme activity associated with immunophilin proteins, particularly peptidyl-prolyl isomerase, or rotamase, enzyme activity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of Invention

[0002] This invention relates to neurotrophic low molecular weight, small molecule heterocyclic esters and amides having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins, and their use as inhibitors of the enzyme activity associated with immunophilin proteins, particularly peptidyl-prolyl isomerase, or rotamase, enzyme activity.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] The term immunophilin refers to a number of proteins that serve as receptors for the principal immunosuppressant drugs, cyclosporin A (CsA), FK506 and rapamycin. Known classes of immunophilins are cyclophilins and FK506 binding proteins, or FKBPs. Cyclosporin A binds to cyclophilin A while FK506 and rapamycin bind to FKBP12. These immunophilin-drug complexes interface with various intracellular signal transduction systems, especially the immune and nervous systems.

[0005] Immunophilins are known to have peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase), or rotamase, enzyme activity. It has been determined that rotamase enzyme activity plays a role in the catalyzation of the interconversion of the cis and trans isomers of peptide and protein substrates for the immunophilin proteins.

[0006] Immunophilins were originally discovered and studied in the immune tissue. It was initially postulated by those skilled in the art that inhibition of the immunophilins' rotamase activity leads to inhibition of T-cell proliferation, thereby causing the immunosuppressive activity exhibited by immunosuppressant drugs, such as cyclosporin A, FK506 and rapamycin. Further study has shown that the inhibition of rotamase activity, in and of itself, does not result in immunosuppressive activity. Schreiber et al., Science, 1990, vol. 250, pp. 556-559. Instead, immunosuppression appears to stem from the formulation of a complex of immunosuppressant drugs and immunophilins. It has been shown that the immunophilin-drug complexes interact with ternary protein targets as their mode of action. Schreiber et al., Cell, 1991, vol. 66, pp. 807-815. In the case of FKBP-FK506 and cyclophilin-CsA, the immunophilin-drug complexes bind to the enzyme calcineurin and inhibit the T-cell receptor signalling which leads to T-cell proliferation. Similarly, the immunophilin-drug complex of FKBP-rapamycin interacts with the RAFT1/FRAP protein and inhibits the IL-2 receptor signalling.

[0007] Immunophilins have been found to be present at high concentrations in the central nervous system. Immunophilins are enriched 10-50 times more in the central nervous system than in the immune system. Within neural tissues, immunophilins appear to influence nitric oxide synthesis, neurotransmitter release and neuronal process extension.

[0008] It has been found that picomolar concentrations of an immunosuppressant such as FK506 and rapamycin stimulate neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells and sensory neurons, namely dorsal root ganglion cells (DRGs). Lyons et al., Proc. of Natl. Acad. Sci., 1994, vol. 91, pp. 3191-3195. In whole animal experiments, FK506 has been shown to stimulate nerve regeneration following facial nerve injury.

[0009] Surprisingly, it has been found that certain compounds with a high affinity for FKBPs are potent rotamase inhibitors and exhibit excellent neurotrophic effects. Furthermore, these rotamase inhibitors are devoid of immunosuppressive activity. These findings suggest the use of rotamase inhibitors in creating various peripheral neuropathies and enhancing neuronal regrowth in the central nervous system (CNS). Studies have demonstrated that neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may occur due to the loss, or decreased availability, of a neurotrophic substance specific for a particular population of neurons affected in the disorder.

[0010] Several neurotrophic factors affecting specific neuronal populations in the central nervous system have been identified. For example, it has been hypothesized that Alzheimer's disease results from a decrease or loss of nerve growth factor (NGF). It has thus been proposed to treat SDAT patients with exogenous nerve growth factor or other neurotrophic proteins, such as brain derived growth factor, glial derived growth factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor and neurotropin-3, to increase the survival of degenerating neuronal populations.

[0011] Clinical application of these proteins in various neurological disease states is hampered by difficulties in the delivery and bioavailability of large proteins to nervous system targets. By contrast, immunosuppressant drugs with neurotrophic activity are relatively small and display excellent bioavailability and specificity. However, when administered chronically, immunosuppressant drugs exhibit a number of potentially serious side effects including nephrotoxicity, such as impairment of glomerular filtration and irreversible interstitial fibrosis (Kopp et al., J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., 1991, 1:162); neurological deficits, such as involuntary tremors, or non-specific cerebral angina, such as non-localized headaches (De Groen et al., N. Engl. J. Med., 1987, 317:861); and vascular hypertension with complications resulting therefrom (Kahan et al., N. Engl. J. Med., 1989, 321:1725).

[0012] In order to prevent the side access associated with use of the immunosuppressant compounds, the present invention provides non-immunosuppressive compounds containing small molecule FKBP rotamase inhibitors for enhancing neurite outgrowth, and promoting neuronal growth and regeneration in various neuropathological situations where neuronal repair can be facilitated, including: peripheral nerve damage caused by physical injury or disease state such as diabetes; physical damage to the central nervous system (spinal cord and brain); brain damage associated with stroke; and neurological disorders relating to neurodegeneration, such as Parkinson's disease, SDAT (Alzheimer's disease), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to neurotrophic low molecular weight, small molecule compounds having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins. Once bound to these proteins, the neurotrophic compounds are potent inhibitors of the enzyme activity associated with immunophilin proteins, particularly peptidyl-prolyl isomerase, or rotamase, enzyme activity. A key feature of the compounds of the present invention is that they do not exert any significant immunosuppressive activity in addition to their neurotrophic activity.

[0014] Specifically, the present invention relates to a compound of formula I:

[0015] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

[0016] A and B, together with the nitrogen and carbon atoms to which they are respectively attached, form a 5-7 membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring containing, in-addition to the nitrogen atom, at least one additional O, S, SO, SO₂, NH or NR₁ heteroatom in any chemically stable oxidation state;

[0017] X is O or S;

[0018] Z is O, NH or NR₁;

[0019] W and Y are independently O, S, CH₂ or H₂;

[0020] R₁ is C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, which is substituted in one or more position(s) with (Ar₁)_(n), (Ar₁)_(n) connected by a C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₃-C₉ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₉ cycloalkyl connected by a C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or a alkenyl, Ar₂, or a combination thereof;

[0021] n is 1 or 2;

[0022] R₂ is either C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, or Ar₁,. wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl is either unsubstituted or substituted in one or more position(s) with C₁-C₄ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, hydroxyl, or a combination thereof; and

[0023] Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently a mono-, bi- or tricyclic, carbo- or heterocyclic ring wherein the ring is either unsubstituted or substituted in one to three position(s) with halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, or a combination thereof; wherein the individual ring sizes are 5-6 members; and wherein the heterocyclic ring contains 1-6 heteroatom(s) selected from the group consisting of O, N, S, and a combination thereof.

[0024] A preferred embodiment of this invention is a compound of formula II:

[0025] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

[0026] A, B and C are independently CH₂, O, S, SO, SO₂, NH or NR₁;

[0027] R₁ is C₁-C₅ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, which is substituted in one or more position(s) with (Ar₁)_(n), (Ar₁)_(n) connected by a C₁-C₅ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, or a combination thereof;

[0028] n is 1 or 2;

[0029] R₂ is either C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, or Ar₁; and

[0030] Ar₁ is a mono-, bi- or tricyclic, carbo- or heterocyclic ring, wherein the ring is either unsubstituted or substituted in one to three position(s) with halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, or a combination thereof; wherein the individual ring sizes are 5-6 members; and wherein the heterocyclic ring contains 1-6 heteroatom(s) selected from the group consisting of O, N, S, and a combination thereof.

[0031] Another preferred embodiment is a compound of formula III:

[0032] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

[0033] A, B, C and D are independently CH₂, O, S, SO, SO₂, NH or NR₁;

[0034] R₁ is C₁-C₅ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, which is substituted in one or more position(s) with (Ar₁)_(n), (Ar₁)_(n) connected by a C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, or a combination thereof;

[0035] n is 1 or 2;

[0036] R₁ is either C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₃-C₉ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, or Ar₁; and

[0037] Ar₁ is a mono-, bi- or tricyclic, carbo- or heterocyclic ring, wherein the ring is either unsubstituted or substituted in one to three position(s) with halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, or a combination thereof; wherein the individual ring sizes are 5-6 members; and wherein the heterocyclic ring contains 1-6 heteroatom(s) selected from the group consisting of O, N, S, and a combination thereof.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a neurotrophically effective amount of the compound of formula I, II or III, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0039] The present invention further relates to a method of effecting a neuronal activity in an animal, comprising:

[0040] administering to the animal a neurotrophically effective amount of the compound of formula I, II or III.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041]FIG. 1(A) is a representative photomicrograph of compound 1 (1 pM) promoting neurite outgrowth in sensory neurons.

[0042]FIG. 1(B) is a representative photomicrograph of compound 1 (10 pM) promoting neurite outgrowth in sensory neurons.

[0043]FIG. 1(C) is a representative photomicrograph of compound 1 (100 pM) promoting neurite outgrowth in sensory neurons.

[0044]FIG. 2(A) is a representative photomicrograph of compound 2 (10 pM) promoting neurite outgrowth in sensory neurons.

[0045]FIG. 2(B) is a representative photomicrograph of compound 2 (100 pM) promoting neurite outgrowth in sensory neurons.

[0046]FIG. 2(C) is representative photomicrograph of compound 2 (10 nM) promoting neurite outgrowth in sensory neurons.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

[0047] “Alkyl” means a branched or unbranched saturated hydrocarbon chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, and the like, unless otherwise indicated.

[0048] “Alkoxy” means the group —OR wherein R is alkyl as herein defined. Preferably, R is a branched or unbranched saturated hydrocarbon chain containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0049] “Halo” means fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo, unless otherwise indicated.

[0050] “Phenyl” includes all possible isomeric phenyl radicals, optionally monosubstituted or multi-substituted with substituents selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, hydroxy, halo, and haloalkyl.

[0051] The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to salts of the subject compounds which posses the desired pharmacological activity and which are neither biologically nor otherwise undesirable. The salts can be formed with inorganic acids such as acetate, adipate, alginate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate butyrate, citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, maleate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, oxalate, thiocyanate, tosylate and undecanoate. Base salts include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts such as sodium and potassium salts, alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium and magnesium salts, salt with organic bases such as dicyclohexylamine salts, N-methyl-D-glucamine, and salts with amino acids such as arginine, lysine, and so forth. Also, the basic nitrogen-containing groups can be quarternized within such agents as lower alkyl halides, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl chloride, bromides and iodides; dialkyl sulfates like dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl and diamyl sulfates, long chain halides such as decyl, lauryl, myristyl and stearyl chlorides, bromides and iodides, aralkyl halides like benzyl and phenethyl bromides and others. Water or oil-soluble or dispersible products are thereby obtained.

[0052] The compounds of this invention possess asymmetric centers and thus can be produced as mixtures of stereoisomers or as individual stereoisomers. The individual stereoisomers may be obtained by using an optically active starting material, by resolving a racemic or non-racemic mixture of an intermediate at some appropriate stage of the synthesis, or by resolution of the compound of formula (I). It is understood that the individual stereoisomers as well as mixtures (racemic and non-racemic) of stereoisomers are encompassed by the scope of the present invention. The compounds of this invention possess at least one asymmetric centers and thus can be produced as mixtures of stereoisomers or as individual R- and S-stereoisomers. The individual enantiomers may be obtained by resolving a racemic or non-racemic mixture of an intermediate at some appropriate stage of the synthesis. It is understood that the individual R- and S- stereoisomers as well as mixtures of stereoisomers are encompassed by this invention. The S-stereoisomer is most preferred due to its greater activity.

[0053] “Isomers” are different compounds that have the same molecular formula.

[0054] “Stereoisomers” are isomers that differ only in the way the atoms are arranged in space.

[0055] “Enantiomers” are a pair of stereoisomers that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.

[0056] “Diastereoisomers” are stereoisomers which are not mirror images of each other.

[0057] “Racemic mixture” means a mixture containing equal parts of individual enantiomers. “Non-racemic mixture” is a mixture containing unequal parts of individual enantiomers or stereoisomers.

[0058] The term “treatment” as used herein covers any treatment of a disease and/or condition in an animal, particularly a human, and includes:

[0059] (i) preventing a disease and/or condition from occurring in a subject which may be predisposed to the disease and/or condition but has not yet been diagnosed as having it;

[0060] (ii) inhibiting the disease and/or condition, i.e., arresting its development; or

[0061] (iii) relieving the disease and/or condition, i.e., causing regression of the disease and/or condition.

[0062] The system used in naming the compounds of the present invention is shown below, using a compound of formula II as an example.

[0063] A compound of formula II wherein A is CH₂, B is S, C is CH₂, R₁ is 3-phenylpropyl and R₂ is 3,3-dimethylpentyl, is named 3-phenyl-1-propyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-(4-thiazolidine) carboxylate.

Compounds of the Invention

[0064] The neurotrophic low molecular weight, small molecule FKBP inhibitor compounds of this invention have an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins, such as FKBP12. When the neurotrophic compounds of this invention are bound to an FKBP-type immunophilin, they have been found to inhibit the prolyl-peptidyl cis-trans isomerase activity, or rotamase, activity of the binding protein and unexpectedly stimulate neurite growth.

FORMULA I

[0065] In particular, this invention relates to a compound of formula I:

[0066] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

[0067] A and B, together with the nitrogen and carbon atoms to which they are respectively attached, form a 5-7 membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring containing, in addition to the nitrogen atom, at least one additional O, S, SO, SO₂, NH or NR₁ heteroatom in any chemically stable oxidation state;

[0068] X is O or S;

[0069] Z is O, NH or NR₁;

[0070] W and Y are independently O, S, CH₂ or H₂;

[0071] R₁ is C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, which is substituted in one or more position(s) with (Ar₁)_(n), (Ar₁)_(n) connected by a C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₃ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₉ cycloalkyl connected by a C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, Ar₂, or a combination thereof;

[0072] n is 1 or 2;

[0073] R₂ is either C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, or Ar₁, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl is either unsubstituted or substituted in one or more position(s) with C₁-C₄ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, hydroxyl, or a combination thereof; and

[0074] Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently a mono-, bi- or tricyclic, carbo- or heterocyclic ring, wherein the ring is either unsubstituted or substituted in one to three position(s) with halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, or a combination thereof; wherein the individual ring sizes are 5-6 members; and wherein the heterocyclic ring contains 1-6heteroatom(s) selected from the group consisting of O, N, S, and a combination thereof.

[0075] The mono- and bicyclic, carbo- and heterocyclic rings include without limitation naphthyl, indolyl, furyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, pyridyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, fluorenyl and phenyl.

FORMULA II

[0076] A preferred embodiment of this invention is a compound of formula II:

[0077] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

[0078] A, B and C are independently CH₂, O, S, SO, SO₂, NH or NR₁;

[0079] R₁ is C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, which is substituted in one or more position(s) with (Ar₁)_(n), (Ar₁)_(n) connected by a C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, or a combination thereof;

[0080] n is 1 or 2;

[0081] R₂ is either C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₃-C₉ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, or Ar₁; and

[0082] Ar₁ is a mono-, bi- or tricyclic, carbo- or heterocyclic ring, wherein the ring is either unsubstituted or substituted in one to three position(s) with halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, or a combination thereof; wherein the individual ring sizes are 5-6 members; and wherein the heterocyclic ring contains 1-6 heteroatom(s) selected from the group consisting of O, N, S, and a combination thereof.

[0083] In a particularly preferred embodiment of formula II compounds:

[0084] A is CH₂;

[0085] B is CH₂ or S;

[0086] C is CH₂ or NH;

[0087] R₁ is selected from the group consisting of 3-phenylpropyl and 3-(3-pyridyl)propyl; and

[0088] R₂ is selected from the group consisting of 3,3-dimethylpentyl, cyclohexyl, and tert-butyl.

[0089] Specific exemplifications of this embodiment are presented in TABLE I. TABLE I No. A B C R₁ R₂ 1 CH₂ S CH₂ 3-phenylpropyl 3,3-dimethylpentyl 2 CH₂ S CH₂ 3-(3-pyridyl)propyl 3,3-dimethylpentyl 3 CH₂ S CH₂ 3-phenylpropyl cyclohexyl 4 CH₂ S CH₂ 3-phenylpropyl tert-butyl 5 CH₂ CH₂ NH 3-phenylpropyl 3,3-dimethylpentyl 6 CH₂ CH₂ NH 3-phenylpropyl cyclohexyl 7 CH₂ CH₂ NH 3-phenylpropyl tert-butyl

FORMULA III

[0090] Another preferred embodiment of this invention is a compound of formula III:

[0091] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

[0092] A, B, C and D are independently CH₂, O, S, SO, SO₂, NH or NR₁;

[0093] R₁ is C₁-C₅ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, which is substituted in one or more position(s) with (Ar₁)_(n), (Ar₁)_(n) connected by a C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, or a combination

[0094] n is 1 or 2;

[0095] R₁ is either C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₆-C₇ cycloalkenyl, or Ar₁; and

[0096] Ar₁ is a mono-, bi- or tricyclic, carbo- or heterocyclic ring, wherein the ring is either unsubstituted or substituted in one to three position(s) with halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, or a combination thereof; wherein the individual ring sizes are 5-6 members; and wherein the heterocyclic ring contains 1-6 heteroatom(s) selected from the group consisting of O, N, S, and a combination thereof.

[0097] In a particularly preferred embodiment of formula III compounds:

[0098] A is CH₂;

[0099] B is CH₂;

[0100] C is S, O or NH;

[0101] D is CH₂;

[0102] R₁ is selected from the group consisting of 3-phenylpropyl and (3,4,5-trimethoxy)phenylpropyl; and

[0103] R₁ is selected from the group consisting of 3,3-dimethylpentyl, cyclohexyl, 3-3-dimethlpropyl, phenyl, and 3, 4, 5-trimethoxyphenyl.

[0104] Specific exemplifications of this embodiment are presented in TABLE II. TABLE II No. A B C D R₁ R₂ 8 CH₂ CH₂ S CH₂ 3-phenylpropyl 3,3-dimethylpentyl 9 CH₂ CH₂ O CH₂ 3-phenylpropyl 3,3-dimethylpentyl 10 CH₂ CH₂ S CH₂ 3-phenylpropyl cyclohexyl 11 CH₂ CH₂ O CH₂ 3-phenylpropyl cyclohexyl 12 CH₂ CH₂ S CH₂ 3-phenylpropyl phenyl 13 CH₂ CH₂ O CH₂ 3-phenylpropyl phenyl 14 CH₂ CH₂ NH CH₂ 3-phenylpropyl 3,3-dimethylpentyl 15 CH₂ CH₂ NH CH₂ 3-phenylpropyl phenyl

[0105] The compounds of the present invention exist as stereoisomeric forms, either enantiomers or diastereoisomers. Included within the scope of the invention are the enantiomers, the racemic form, and diastereoisomeric mixtures. Enantiomers and diastereoisomers can be separated by methods known to those skilled in the art.

Methods of Using the Compounds of the Invention

[0106] The compounds of the present invention have an affinity for the FK506 binding protein, particularly FKBP12, which is present in the brain. When the inventive compounds bind to FKBP in the brain, they exhibit excellent neurotrophic activity. This activity is useful in the stimulation of damaged neurons, the promotion of neuronal regeneration, the prevention of neurodegeneration, and the treatment of several neurological disorders known to be associated with neuronal degeneration and peripheral neuropathies.

[0107] For the foregoing reasons, the present invention further relates to a method of effecting a neuronal activity in an animal, comprising:

[0108] administering to the animal a neurotrophically effective amount of a compound of formula I, II or III.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment, the neuronal activity is selected from the group consisting of stimulation of damaged neurons, promotion of neuronal regeneration, prevention of neurodegeneration and treatment of neurological disorder.

[0110] The neurological disorders that may be treated include but are not limited to: trigeminal neuralgia; glossopharyngeal neuralgia; Bell's Palsy; myasthenia gravis; muscular dystrophy; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; progressive muscular atrophy; progressive bulbar inherited muscular atrohpy; herniated; ruptured or prolapsed invertabrae disk syndromes; cervical spondylosis, plexus disorders; thoracic outlet destruction syndromes; peripheral neuropathic such as those caused by lead, dapsone, ticks, porphyria, or Gullairn-Barré syndrome; Alzheimer's disease; and Parkinson's disease.

[0111] The compounds of the present invention are particularly useful for treating a neurological disorder selected from the group consisting of: peripheral neuropathy caused by physical injury or disease state, physical damage to the brain, physical damage to the spinal cord, stroke associated with brain damage, and neurological disorder relating to neurodegeneration. Examples of neurological disorders relating to neurodegeneration are Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

[0112] For these purposes the compounds of the present invention may be administered orally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally, buccally, vaginally or via an implanted reservoir in dosage formulations containing conventional non-toxic pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles. The term parenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneally, intrathecally, intraventricularly, intrasternal and intracranial injection or infusion techniques.

[0113] To be effective therapeutically as central nervous system targets, the compounds of the present invention should readily penetrate the blood-brain barrier when peripherally administered. Compounds which cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier can be effectively administered by an intraventricular route.

[0114] The compounds of the present invention may be administered in the form of sterile injectable preparations, for example, as sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspensions. These suspensions may be formulated according to techniques known in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparations may also be sterile injectable solutions or suspensions in non-toxic parenterally-acceptable diluents or solvents, for example, as solutions in 1,3-butanediol. Among she acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as solvents or suspending mediums. For this purpose, any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or di-glycerides. Fatty acids such as oleic acid and its glyceride derivatives, including olive oil and castor oil, especially in their polyoxyethylated versions, are useful in the preparation of injectables. These oil solutions or suspensions may also contain long-chain alcohol diluents or dispersants.

[0115] The compounds may be administered orally in the form of capsules, tablets, aqueous suspensions or solutions. Tablets may contain carriers such as lactose and corn starch and/or lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate. Capsules may contain diluents including lactose and dried corn starch. Aqueous suspensions may contain emulsifying and suspending agents combined with the active ingredient. The oral dosage forms may further contain sweetening and/or flavoring and/or coloring agents.

[0116] The compounds of this invention may also be administered rectally in the form of suppositories. These compositions can be prepared by mixing the drug with a suitable non-irritating excipient which is solid at room temperature, but liquid at rectal temperature and, therefore, will melt in the rectum to release the drug. Such materials include cocoa butter, beeswax and polyethylene glycols.

[0117] The compounds of this invention may also be administered topically, especially when the conditions addressed for treatment involve areas or organs readily accessible by topical application, including neurological disorders of the eye, the skin, or the lower intestinal tract. Suitable topical formulations are readily prepared for each of these areas.

[0118] For topical application to the eye, or ophthalmic use, the compounds can be formulated as micronized suspensions in isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, or, preferably, as solutions in isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, either with or without a preservative such as benzylalkonium chloride. Alternatively for the ophthalmic uses the compounds may be formulated in an ointment such as petrolatum.

[0119] For topical application to the skin, the compounds can be formulated in a suitable ointment containing the compound suspended or dissolved in, for example, a mixture with one or more of the following: mineral oil, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum, propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene compound, emulsifying wax and water. Alternatively, the compounds can be formulated in a suitable lotion or cream containing the active compound suspended or dissolved in, for example, a mixture of one or more of the following: mineral oil, sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl esters wax, cetearyl alcohol, 2-octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water.

[0120] Topical application for the lower intestinal trace an be effected in a rectal suppository formulation (see above) or in a suitable enema formulation.

[0121] Dosage levels on the order of about 0.1 mg to about 10,000 mg of the active ingredient compound are useful in the treatment of the above conditions, with preferred levels of about 0.1 mg to about 1,000 mg. The amount of active ingredient that may be combined with the carrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the host treated and the particular mode of administration.

[0122] It is understood, however, that a specific dose level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the specific compound employed, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, and the severity of the particular disease being treated and form of administration.

[0123] The compounds can be administered with other neurotrophic agents such as neurotrophic growth factor (NGF), glial derived growth factor, brain derived growth factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and neurotropin-3. The dosage level of other neurotrophic drugs will depend upon the factors previously stated and the neurotrophic effectiveness of the drug combination.

Pharmaceutical Compositions of the Invention

[0124] The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising:

[0125] (i) a neurotrophically effective amount of the compound of formula I, II or III, and

[0126] (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0127] The above discussion relating to the utility and administration of the compounds of the present invention also applies to the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention.

EXAMPLES

[0128] The following examples are illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to be limitations thereon. Unless otherwise specified, all percentages are based on 100% by weight of the final compound.

Example 1 Synthesis of 3-phenyl-1-propyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-(4-thiazolidine)carboxylate (1)

[0129] 1-(1,2-dioxo-2-methoxyethyl)2-(4-thiazolidine)- carboxylate. A solution of L-thioproline (1.51 g; 11.34 mmol) in 40 mL of dry methylene chloride was cooled to 0° C. and treated with 3.3 mL (2.41 g; 23,81 mmol) of triethylamine. After stirring this mixture for 30 minutes, a solution of methyl oxalyl chloride (1.81 g; 14.74 mmol) was added dropwise. The resulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1.5 hours, filtered through Celite to remove solids, dried and concentrated. The crude material was purified on a silic gel column, eluting with 10% MeOH in methylene chloride, to obtain 2.0 g of the oxamate as an orange-yellow solid.

[0130] 3-ohenyl-1-propyl(2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-methoxyethyl)2-(4-thiazolidine) carboxylate. 1- (1,2-dioxo-2-methoxyethyl)2-(4-thiazolidine)carboxylate (500 mg; 2.25 mmol), 3-phenyl-1-propanol (465 mg; 3.42 mmol), dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (750 mg; 3.65 mmol), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (95 mg; 0.75 mmol) and camphorsulfonic acid (175 mg; 0.75 mmol) in 30 mL of methylene chloride were stirred together overnight. The mixture was filtered through Celite to remove solids and chromatographed (25% ethyl acetate/hexane) to obtain 690 mg of material, ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 300 MHz): δ1.92-2.01 (m, 2H); 2.61-2.69 (m, 2H); 3.34 (m, 1H); 4.11-4.25 (m, 2H); 4.73 (m, 1H) ; 5.34 (m, 1H); 7.12 (m, 3H) ; 7.23 (m, 2H).

[0131] 3 -phenyl-1-propyl (2 S) -1- (3, 3 -dimethyl- 1, 2-dioxopentyl)-2-(4-thiazolidine) carboxylate (1). A solution of 3-phenyl-1-propyl(2S) -1-(1,2-dioxo-2-methoxyethyl) 2-(4-thiazolidine) carboxylate (670 mg; 1.98 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) was cooled to −78° C. and treated with 2.3 mL of a 1.0 M solution of 1, 1-dimethylpropylmagnesium chloride in ether. After stirring the mixture for 3 hours, it was poured into saturated ammonium chloride, extracted into ethyl acetate, and the organic phase was washed with water, dried and concentrated. The crude material was purified on a silica gel column, eluting with 25% ethyl acetate in hexane, to obtain 380 mg of the compound of Example 1 as a yellow oil, ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 300 MHz): d 0.86 (t, 3H) 1.21 (s, 3H) 1.26 (s, 3H); 1.62-1.91 (m, 3H),; 2.01 (m, 2H) ; 2.71 (m, 2H) ; 3.26-3.33 (m, 2H) ; 4.19 (m, 2H); 4.58 (m, 1H); 7.19 (m, 3H); 7.30 (m, 2H). Anal. Clcd. for C₂₀H₂₇NO₄S: C, 63.63; H, 7.23; N, 3.71. Found: C, 64.29; H, 7.39; N, 3.46.

Example 2 Synthesis of 3-(3-pyridyl)-1-propyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl) -2-(4-thiazolidine) carboxylate (2)

[0132] The compound of Example 2 was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, using 3-(3-pyridyl)-1-propanol in the final step, to yield 3- (3-pyridyl)-1-propyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-(4-thiazolidine) carboxylate, ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 300 MHz): ε 0.89 (t, 3H, J=7.3); 1.25 (s, 3H); 1.28 (s, 3H) ; 1.77 (q, 2H, J=7.3); 2.03 (t, 2, J=6.4, 7.5); 2.72 (t, 2H, J=7.5); 3.20 (dd, 1H, J=4.0, 11.8); 3.23 (dd, 1 H, J=7.0, 11.8); 4.23 (t, 2H, J=6.4); 4.55 (d, 2H, J=8.9); 5.08 (dd, 1H, J=4.0, 7.0); 7.24 (m, 1H); 8.48 (m, 2H). Anal. Caldc. for C₁₃H₂₆N₂O₄S-0.5 H₂O: C, 58.89; H 7.02; N, 7.23. Found: C, 58.83; H:, 7.05; N 7.19.

[0133] As discussed above, the compounds of the present invention have an affinity, for the FK506 binding protein, particularly FKBP12. The inhibition of the prolyl peptidyl cis-trans isomerase activity of FKBP may be measured as an indicator of this affinity.

Ki Test Procedure

[0134] Inhibition of the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (rotamase) activity of the inventive compounds can be evaluated by known methods described in the literature (Harding, et al., Nature, 1989, 341:758-760; Holt et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 115:9923-9938). These values are obtained as apparent Ki's and are presented in Table III. The cis-trans isomerization of an alanine-proline bond in a model substrate, N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-p-nitroanilide, is monitored spectrophotometrically in a chymotrypsin-coupled assay, which releases paranitroanilide from the trans form of the substrate. The inhibition of this reaction caused by the addition of different concentrations of inhibitor is determined, and the data is analyzed as a change in first-order rate constant as a function of inhibitor concentration to yield the apparent Ki values.

[0135] In a plastic cuvette are added 950 mL of ice cold assay buffer (25 mM HEPES, ph 7.8, 100 mM NaCl), 10 mL of FKBP (2.5 mM in 10 mM Tris-Cl ph 7.5, 100 mM NaCl, 1 mM dithiothreitol), 25 mL of chymotrypsin (50 mg/ml in 1 mM HCl) and 10 mL of test compound at various concentrations in dimethyl sulfoxide. The reaction is initiated by the addition of 5 mL of substrate (succinyl-Ala-Phe-Pro-Phe-para-nitroanilide, 5 mg/mL in 2.35 mM LiCl in trifluoroethanol).

[0136] The absorbance at 390 nm versus time is monitored for 90 seconds using a spectrophotometer and the rate constants are determined from the absorbance versus time data files.

[0137] The data for these experiments for representatives compounds are presented in Table III under the column “Ki”.

[0138] The neurotrophic effects of the compounds of the present invention can be demonstrated in cellular biological experiments in vitro, as described below.

Chick Dorsal Root Ganglion Cultures and Neurite Outgrowth

[0139] Dorsal root ganglia were dissected from chick embryos of ten day gestation. Whole ganglion explants were cultured on thin layer Matrigel-coated 12 well plates with Liebovitz L15 plus high glucose media supplemented with 2 mM glutamine and 10% fetal calf serum, and also containing 10 μM cytosine β-D arabinofuranoside (Ara C) at 37° C. in an environment containing 5% CO₂. Twenty four hours later, the DRGs were treated with various immunophilin ligands. Forty-eight hours after drug treatment, the ganglia were visualized under phase contrast or Hoffman Modulation contrast with a Zeiss Axiovert inverted microscope. Photomicrographs of the explants were made, and neurite outgrowth was quantitated. Neurites longer than the DRG diameter were counted as positive, with total number of neurites quanitated per each experimental condition. Three to four DRGs are cultured per well, and each treatment was performed in duplicate.

[0140] The data for these experiments for representative compounds are presented in the “ED50” column of Table III. Representative photomicrographs of compounds 1 (1 pM, 10 pM, 100 pM) and 2 (10 pM, 100 pM, 10 nM) promoting neurite outgrowth in sensory neurons are shown in FIGS. 1(A-C) and 2(A-C), respectively. TABLE III In Vitro Test Results Compound Ki.nM ED60 nM 1 215 0.031 2 638 2.0

[0141] All publications and patents identified above are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0142] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: A and B, together with the nitrogen and carbon atoms to which they are respectively attached, form a 5-7 membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring containing, in addition to the nitrogen atom, at least one additional O, S, SO, SO₂, NH or NR₁ heteroatom in any chemically stable oxidation state; X is O or S; Z is O, NH or NR₁; W and Y are independently O, S, CH₂ or H₂; R₁ is C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, which is substituted in one or more position(s) with (Ar₁)_(n), (Ar₁)_(n) connected by a C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl connected by a C₁-C₆ straight or branches chain alkyl or alkenyl, Ar₂, or a combination thereof; n is 1 or 2; R₂ is either C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkenyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, or Ar₁, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl is either unsubstituted or substituted in one or more position(s) with C₁-C₄ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, hydroxyl, or a combination thereof; and Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently a mono-, bi- or tricyclic, carbo- or heterocyclic ring, wherein the ring is either unsubstituted or substituted in one to three position(s) with halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, or a combination thereof; wherein the individual ring sizes are 5-6 members; and wherein the heterocyclic ring contains 1-6 heteroatom(s) selected from the group consisting of O, N, S, and a combination thereof.
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein the mono- or bicyclic, carbo- or heterocyclic ring is selected from the group consisting of naphthyl, indolyl, furyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, pyridyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, fluorenyl and phenyl.
 3. The compound of claim 1, wherein the at least one additional heteroatom in the 5-7 membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring is NH or NR₁.
 4. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound has an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins.
 5. The compound of claim 4, wherein the FKBP-type immunophilin is FKBP12.
 6. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound inhibits rotamase enzyme activity.
 7. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a neurotrophically effective amount of the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 8. A method of effecting a neuronal activity in an animal, comprising: administering to the animal a neurotrophically effective amount of the compound of claim
 1. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the neuronal activity is selected from the group consisting of stimulation or damaged neurons, promotion of neuronal regeneration, prevention of neurodegeneration and treatment of neurological disorder.
 10. The method or claim 9, wherein the neurological disorder is selected from the group consisting of peripheral neuropathy caused by physical injury or disease state, physical damage to the brain, physical damage to the spinal cord, stroke associated with brain damage, and neurological disorder relating to neurodegeneration.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the neurological disorder relating to neurodegeneration is selected from the group consisting of Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
 12. A compound of formula II:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: A, B and C are independently CH₂,O, S, SO, SO₂, NH or NH₁; R₁ is C₁-C₅ straight or branched chain a alkenyl, which is substituted in one or more position(s) with (Ar₁)_(n), (Ar₁)_(n) connected by a C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, or a combination thereof; n is 1 or 2; R₂ is either C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₃-C₉ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, or Ar₁; and Ar₁ is a mono-, bi- or tricyclic, carbo- or heterocyclic ring, wherein the ring is either unsubstituted or substituted in one to three position(s) with halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, or a combination thereof; wherein the individual ring sizes are 5-6 members; and wherein the heterocyclic ring contains 1-6 heteroatom(s) selected from the group consisting of O, N, S, and a combination thereof.
 13. The compound of claim 12, wherein: A is CH₂; B is CH₂ or S; C is CH₂ or NH; R₁ is selected from the group consisting of 3-phenylpropyl and 3-(3-pyridyl)propyl; and R₁ is selected from the group consisting of 3,3-dimethylpentyl, cyclohexyl, and tert-butyl.
 14. The compound of claim 13, wherein: B is CH₂; C is NH; and R₁is 3-phenylpropyl.
 15. The compound of claim 13, wherein: B is S; and C is CH₂.
 16. The compound of claim 12, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of: 3-phenyl-1-propyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-(4-thiazolidine)carboxylate; and 3-(3-pyridyl)-1-propyl(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1, 2-dioxopentyl)-2-(4-thiazolidine) carboxylate.
 17. The compound of claim 12, wherein the compound has an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins.
 18. The compound of claim 17, wherein the FKBP-type immunophilin is FKBP12.
 19. The compound of claim 12, wherein the compound inhibits rotamase enzyme activity.
 20. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a neurotrophically effective amount of the compound of claim 12 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 21. A method of effecting a neuronal activity in an animal, comprising: administering to the animal a neurotrophically effective amount of the compound of claim
 12. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the neuronal activity is selected from the group consisting of stimulation of damaged neurons, promotion of neuronal regeneration, prevention of neurodegeneration and treatment of neurological disorder.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the neurological disorder is selected from the group consisting of peripheral neuropathy caused by physical injury or disease state, physical damage to the brain, physical damage to the spinal cord, stroke associated with brain damage, and neurological disorder relating to neurodegeneration.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the neurological disorder relating to neurodegeneration is selected from the group consisting of Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
 25. A compound of formula III:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: A, B, C and D are independently CH₂, O, S, SO, SO₂, NH or NR₁; R₁ is C₁-C₅ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, which is substituted in one or more position(s) With (Ar₁)_(n), (Ar₁)_(n) connected by a C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, or a combination thereof; n is 1 or 2; R₂ is either C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, or Ar₁; and Ar₁ is a mono-, bi- or tricyclic, carbo- or heterocyclic ring, wherein the ring is either unsubstituted or substituted in one to three position(s) with halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, or a combination thereof; wherein the individual ring sizes are 5-6 members; and wherein the heterocyclic ring contains 1-6 heteroatom(s) selected from the group consisting of O, N, S, and a combination thereof.
 26. The compound of claim 25, wherein: A is CH_(2;) B is CH₂; C is S, O or NH; D is CH₂; R₁ is selected from the group consisting of 3-phenylpropyl and (3,4,5-trimethoxy) phenylpropyl; and R₂ is selected from the group consisting of 3,3-dimethylpentyl, cyclohexyl, 3-3-dimethylpropyl, phenyl, and 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl.
 27. The compound of claim 26, wherein: C is NH; and R₂ is 3,3-dimethylpropyl or phenyl.
 28. The compound of claim 25, wherein the compound has an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins.
 29. The compound of claim 28, wherein the FKBP-type immunophilin is FKBP12.
 30. The compound of claim 25, wherein the compound inhibits rotamase enzyme activity.
 31. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a neurotrophically effective amount of the compound of claim 25 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 32. A method of effecting a neuronal activity in an animal, comprising: administering to the animal a neurotrophically effective amount of the compound of claim
 25. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the neuronal activity is selected from the group consisting of stimulation of damaged neurons, promotion of neuronal regeneration, prevention of neurodegeneration and treatment of neurological disorder.
 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the neurological disorder is selected from the group consisting of peripheral neuropathy caused by physical injury or disease state, physical damage to the brain, physical damage to the spinal cord, stroke associated with brain damage, and neurological disorder relating to neurodegeneration.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the neurological disorder relating to neurodegeneration is selected from the group consisting of Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. 